A Record Breaking Bicycle.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 293, 17 June 1897, Page 2

A Record Breaking Bicycle.

We notice in the evening Post issue of 2nd June an advertisement in which tht following statement is made:— "That Bicyoles and Bicycles lead, and have always lead all others in America." The inference to be drawn from this statement, if uncontradicted, is that these two makes are pre-eminent, and the others nowhere. We admit that the two makes mentioned are the oldest in America ; but any expert knows that until a few years ago large numbers of the highest grade English Bioycles were imported into America ; and this dearly shows the estimation in which American Bioycles were held at that time. It is only recently that American Bicycle* have improved to challenge the world for superiority. The ady»nt of the Dayton in 1895 marked a distinct advance in the art of cycle constrnction in America. If Bicycles and Bicycles " lead, and have always led all others in America," why does the Tsar of Russia, who is the most expert of all Royal cyclists, choose a Dayton in preference to i ■ Bicycle* and Bieyeles, which we are asked to believe are the best in America '? In Außust, 1896, the Tsar of Russia honoured the Dayton Agent at St. Petersburg with an order for a bicycle for his own use, and since then he has also ordered a magnificent gold and silverplated Dayton Tandem. This Dayton Tandem was exhibited at the New York Cycle Show prior to its despatch to St. Petersburg. Why is the Dayton more prominent in American records and big races than Bicycles and Bicycles f Yon. may look in vain for great races and records won on Bicycles and Bicycles during the same tima, W« will .enumerate a few recent per. fornoances on Dayton?. : — On 23rd February, 1897, at San Francisco. W. E. Becker broke all the world's records from two to five miles, On 25th March, 1897, W. E. Becker broke the world's record for one mile on an indoor track in competition. On 30th March, 1897, he also broke the world's five mile competition record for indoor track. At Washington, Erank Waller won the great six day eight hour, race, also breaking all previous records during the race. In April, 1897, Steensen twice won the New Orleans Brassard, and stood first in winning percentage on the Southern racing circuit. In April, 1897, Beboeh won the six day twentysfour hour race, "Ro-as-you-please." He was ahead of all the world's records for the greater part of the raae, and would most undoubtedly have beaten Hale's record but for a fall, in which he hurt bis knee, and had to content hinieeH with winniog the race. lie broke 25 world's records in this race. In Australia Walne has worked him* self tip to the front on a Dayton. Foar liracH in succession lately the three fastest men in Australia finished as follows:— Walne (Dayton), first ; Megson (Beeitoa Huuiber), second ; Martin (Red Bird), tbird. The distinguishing colour of the Dayton is Mavone. Joseph Dakragh, Sole agent for Feildins District.